Auckland, New Zealand

Mt Victoria and sailboatRonnie Macdonald from Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Auckland is the place to go for adrenaline junkies. They can get their fix from kayaking, sailing and high-octane bungee jumping! But it is also an incredible place for sightseeing. A trip to the top of Sky Tower, the largest building in the Southern Hemisphere, offers three observation decks with incredible 360-degree views of Auckland. For a unique dining experience, have a meal at one of two restaurants at the top of the Sky Tower, Thrill seekers can enjoy some extreme sightseeing on Skywalk by walking around the outside of the Sky Tower, 92 meters above the ground.

For spectacular views across the harbor and an exhilarating experience, try the Auckland Bridge Climb where you can finish with the Auckland Bridge Bungee jump. The views from upside down should be incredible!

Auckland's highest natural point is at the top of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano, called Maungawhau. North Head is famous for its military history, with gun emplacements, fortifications and a fascinating network of tunnels to explore.

A great day trip is to catch a ferry to Waiheke Island and the Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant. Take in the beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island and the city skyline from the gardens. Make an evening of it and get settled on one of the couches next to the outdoor fireplace and watch the sunset.

Seeing Auckland from the air is an experience like no other. Fly over volcanoes, beaches, rainforest and islands and discover the dramatic contrasts of Auckland’s east and west coasts. A drive out to the ruggedly beautiful west coast to Piha Beach. Before descending to the beach, be sure to stop at the lookout point for a fantastic photo opportunity.

New Favorite Hotels

Stowe Mountain Resort is a one of the finest ski resorts in the northeastern United States near the town of Stowe in northern Vermont, and comprises two separate mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Stowe is second in size to Killington Ski Resort in Vermont.

Bienvenue to Paris! Designed by Christian de Portzamparc, the five-star Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe sits just steps away from the world-famous landmark and Champs-Elysees Avenue. The most breathtaking of Arc de Triomphe Paris hotels, ours offers a thoroughly modern design, and upscale guest rooms and spacious suites appointed with tasteful decor.

New Things To Do

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface, and we’ve only explored about 5% of it. That leaves so much of the Earth that we know nothing about. Not everyone can dive right into the water to look at the ocean life, so why not do the next best thing? Aquariums give us a window into a whole other world. Most locations around the world have aquariums; some larger than others.